The Tennessean reported Kennedy had been the drummer for Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band for nearly 30 years.

Strait released a statement following the tragedy.

“The band will never be the same. A part of us is gone forever,” the statement reads. “We all loved Mike and will miss him terribly. He was just as solid a friend to us all as he was a drummer, and that was damn solid. Our hearts and prayers are with his family. The Lord has him now. Rest In Peace my friend.”

A report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol says Kennedy was driving on Interstate 40 in Wilson County when he merged into another lane. Kennedy’s vehicle collided with a tractor-trailer, which then hit a pickup truck. No one else was injured.